Quezon town mayor suspended for 45 days

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — The mayor of Infanta town in Quezon province has been suspended for issuing a license to a cockpit arena.

The provincial government suspended Infanta Mayor Filipina Grace America for 45 days based on a resolution passed by the provincial council or Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The provincial government said America granted a permit to the Dinahican cockpit arena despite the lack of a legislative franchise as required by law.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan issued a resolution on Nov. 18, recommending the suspension after it found proof showing America guilty of the offense.

The provincial legal office served a memorandum order signed by Gov. Angelina Tan on America on Nov. 21.

The suspension stemmed from a complaint of grave misconduct, dereliction of duty and grave abuse of authority filed against America in September before the ethics committee of the provincial council.

America filed a motion to dismiss the complaint in October, arguing that the ethics committee had no jurisdiction over the matter.

The committee denied America’s motion.

On Nov. 6, America filed a motion for reconsideration, which the committee also rejected.